In Southern Ontario, we think of the American Tree Sparrow as a winter bird. They breed near the Hudson Bay coast and the northern part of James Bay.

My grandfather told me that a winter-banded American Tree Sparrow from his property returned the following winter and fed on their window sill feeder about 3 ft. from where they sat eating their meals. Marvellous navigational ability!

We saw a small flock today at Downsview Park:

We also found a Long-eared Owl:

and a well-hidden Short-eared owl:

Other birds:

Park scenes:

Some botany:

Today’s group:

MAILBOX

Impressive flying!

NATURE POETRY

Stay, season of calm love and soulful snows!
There is a subtle sweetness in the sun,
The ripples on the stream’s breast gaily run,
The wind more boisterously by me blows,
And each succeeding day now longer grows.       – Claude McKay (1889-1948)

Miles Hearn